Covering the bases

Mariners fire GM Bavasi

The Seattle Mariners fired general manager Bill Bavasi on Monday, as the team lags with the worst record in baseball after starting the season with playoff hopes.

Vice president/associate general manager Lee Pelekoudas will take over in his place.

"Change is in order," Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said in a release. "We have determined new leadership is needed in the GM position. With a new leader will come a new plan and a new approach. A search will begin immediately for a permanent GM, and Lee will be a candidate for the position."

Bavasi was in his fifth season as Seattle's GM, only once turning out a club that finished with a winning record. That was last year when Seattle won a surprising 88 games and was in contention for a playoff spot into September.

Yankees' Wang out until September

New York Yankees ace Chien-Ming Wang is expected to be sidelined until at least September after injuring his foot running the bases, prompting club co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner to chastise the National League for playing without a designated hitter.

An examination in New York on Monday showed Wang partially tore a tendon and sprained his right foot Sunday during the Yankees' 13-0 interleague win at Houston. He will be on crutches and wear a protective boot for a minimum of six weeks, the latest blow to the team's banged-up pitching staff.

"My only message is simple. The National League needs to join the 21st century," Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. "They need to grow up and join the 21st century.

"Am I [mad] about it? Yes. I've got my pitchers running the bases, and one of them gets hurt. He's going to be out. I don't like that, and it's about time they address it. That was a rule from the 1800s."

Final Hall of Fame Game rained out

Chicago Cubs outfielder Jim Edmonds didn't get to play in the final Hall of Fame Game. He was more than happy to make the trip, though.

"I got an unbelievable tour of the Hall of Fame. I'm blown away," Edmonds said Monday just before severe thunderstorms pelted historic Doubleday Field with a drenching rain and hail, forcing cancellation of the game in Cooperstown, N.Y. "I think all the anticipation of having a rough day of travel in the middle of the season -- it's all worth it once you get here."

Despite a determined effort to play the game between the Cubs and San Diego Padres, the storms packed too much rain and more storms were predicted later in the afternoon.

Rangers release Ponson, cite attitude

The Texas Rangers released right-hander Sidney Ponson and activated minor league pitcher Thomas Diamond from the 60-day disabled list Monday.

Ponson was designated for assignment June 6 despite a 4-1 record and 3.88 ERA for a starting rotation beset by injuries and among the worst in the majors. General manager Jon Daniels has said Ponson was dumped "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel."

ROCKIES MOVES: Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and middle infielder Clint Barmes will head to Triple-A Colorado Springs on a rehab assignment beginning tonight. Tulowitzki (left quad) could be back with the Rockies as soon as Friday night. Barmes (sprained right knee) may spend a few more days with the Sky Sox.

* David Ortiz had the cast removed from his left wrist and replaced by a removable splint, an encouraging sign for Boston's big slugger.